Celebracion!

I can sum today up in two words: cultural explosion! Bright colors, traditional music, local dancers, customary celebratory meals, and Guatemalan flags galore. Today is one of the biggest holidays in Guatemala. This day, 190 years ago, Guatemala won its independence from Spain. Coincidentally, Quetzaltenango also has the biggest holiday fair. I was completely oblivious about this holiday when I was first picking the dates for this trip; I guess I just have some really good luck! Who else gets to experience such rich culture all at once only three days into a trip?

This morning I went to watch the independence desfile, or parade, with my host family. The sidewalks were packed with people and the streets were filled with bands, marching groups, dancers, color guards, and beauty pageants winners—with numerous television and radio announcers thrown in the mix.

The high school marching bands played traditional Guatemalan tunes while the dance teams salsa-ed down the streets with bouncy skirts and high-heeled boots. Young men with feathered hats and long tailcoats performed military-style marches while attempting to keep a stone-cold face amidst the celebrations. Girls marimba-ed past the crowds wearing their custom-created corn stalk dresses and shiny foil skirts. Street vendors peddled colorful balloons and mini flags.

All-in-all, it was a great experience and I am glad I got to share it with such a great family.